Friday, October 6, 2017

Disturbing Events and Other Tragedies

Disturbing
events happen and when they do our children look to the adults in their life
for answers.

Disturbing
events rarely have answers.

The good news
is your child doesn’t need you to be an expert. Your child needs to be present
and aware.

Be aware
that the constant information from the media and others in your child’s life
might be increasing anxiety.

Be aware
that some aspects of busy family life might need to be set aside to spend time
talking and comforting.

Be present
to show empathy and help your child to manage worries. We don’t have
answers to scary things so it is best to assure that God is in control and that He
loves us, even when the world makes us think differently.

Be present to
ask questions and listen for both the spoken and unspoken answer. Often
children need us to pose questions that start with feelings.

“I wonder if
you are feeling afraid?”

“Does the
world seem confusing now?”

“Are you
worrying about something big or maybe something little?”

And when
your child is ready, help him or her with an action plan. Make a list of what
can be done. Are there people to comfort? Are there little changes to be made?
Are there comforting rituals that can remind your child of love and protection?

You may not
feel like an expert, but God has given you expertise regarding your child. He
will bless you with what you need, when you need it.

Then you shall call,
and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah
58:9